Inspiring and Unmatched Enthusiasm at Earth Hour 2013

SYNERGY Receives Appreciation Award by DEWA for Eco-Initiative and Enthusiastic Participation at Earth Hour 2013

It was an honor and momentous for SYNERGY to receive the Award for the Initiative and Enthusiastic Participation- EARTH HOUR 2013 by Mr. Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority DEWA.  In his words -the historic Earth Hour 2013 has achieved the highest -energy- savings to date stated during the ceremony.   We also had  the privilege and opportunity to light the candles along with DEWA Officials and were much motivated and encouraged by the officials from the ministries especially by the Director from Ministry of Environment and Water for Environment Education as they were our next neighbors in booth.

The hard work and commitment was well appreciated and recognized by the officials, led us to BE the chosen Youth Foundation to display our unique initiatives to motivate and inspire others too with our exemplary work and initiatives. I, Simran Vedvyas in the capacity of Founder and Chairperson led SynergY Youth Group along with its Members as Volunteers with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority DEWA. Being the youngest booth-setters did not stop us from being the busiest booth during the evening.  We independently managed a booth, interacted with families, youth and children promoting the need of Environment Education and endorsing the message -How much such events like Earth Hour mean to the generation today? 

As we all know-Earth Hour is an event that was introduced in 2007 in Sydney. That day, 2.2 million people switched off their lights and other non-essential electronics. Following this, many other countries took the initiative and started up the campaign and now it has become one of the highlights of the season for environmentalists all around the world and this year 6.7 million people or more likely observed Earth Hour 2013.

In UAE at the Downtown Burj Dubai the Earth Hour Celebration preparation started since the afternoon.  The Organizers DEWA had prepared a spectacular stage with performances and celebration which included the amazing LED suit dance show,  African music and also celebrating the birthday of two characters Splashy and Sparky who are well known and recognized in the local community for promoting awareness to save water and electricity.  The one hour 60+ engaging parade and lighting the candles to mark the celebration included thousands without any barriers of age, gender or nationality. 

As Synergy Founder, I am extremely grateful to the organizers, parents, teachers and students from various schools across UAE who have associated and supported my noble intentions of taking the lead and inspiring the youth for more effective participation. I also congratulate my Co Ambassador- Neha Swaminathan who had the Perfect Simple Smile- Thank You Neha.  All the efforts of Lohitha Swaminathan and all the other members of SynergY are noteworthy and recognized too.  We are Proud to say that most of our members actively participate in Waste recycling and collection drives regularly and attend various community lectures conducted by Emirates Environmental Group.

In 2012 I shared my Report through UNEP TUNZA ECO GENERATION as Youth Ambassador Middle East. In 2012 we managed and lit the candles at the celebration area as-https://tunza.eco-generation.org/ambassadorReportView.jsp?viewID=958

In 2013 as the buildup- the leading newspaper Khaleej Times- reported ONE HOUR FOR THE PLANET with my picture highlighted -

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/nationgeneral/2013/March/nationgeneral_March389.xml&section=nationgeneral